An estimated 300,000 girls and women have been forced into the sex trade in India's Andhra Pradesh. Of these, only 3,000 have been rescued so far.
India's sex slaves —
An estimated 300,000 girls and women have been forced into the sex trade in India's Andhra Pradesh. Of these, only 3,000 have been rescued so far.
Davinder Kumar/Plan International
Neglect and gender discrimination also leave girls vulnerable to traffickers. Children abandoned to the care of neighbors by migrant parents who leave for seasonal work in the cities have been found wandering the streets without food or water.
India's sex slaves —
Neglect and gender discrimination also leave girls vulnerable to traffickers. Children abandoned to the care of neighbors by migrant parents who leave for seasonal work in the cities have been found wandering the streets without food or water.
Davinder Kumar/Plan International
Charities like <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fplan-international.org%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Plan International</a> are working to help teenagers and young women get out of the sex industry by offering them vocational training.
India's sex slaves —
Charities like Plan International are working to help teenagers and young women get out of the sex industry by offering them vocational training.
Davinder Kumar/Plan International
Teaching the girls skills they can use outside the temporary shelter should help them earn a decent livelihood.
India's sex slaves —
Teaching the girls skills they can use outside the temporary shelter should help them earn a decent livelihood.
Davinder Kumar/Plan International
But for some, the trauma they have experienced is so severe that the impact on their mental and physical health is irreversible.
India's sex slaves —
But for some, the trauma they have experienced is so severe that the impact on their mental and physical health is irreversible.
Davinder Kumar/Plan International
Bhavani SV, of Plan India, says: "Our efforts are aimed at not just rehabilitating rescued girls but also at preventing children being forced into sex work through trafficking."
India's sex slaves —
Bhavani SV, of Plan India, says: "Our efforts are aimed at not just rehabilitating rescued girls but also at preventing children being forced into sex work through trafficking."
Davinder Kumar/Plan International
Learn more about <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fplan-international.org%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Plan International</a>'s <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fplan-international.org%2Fgirls%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">"Because I am a Girl" campaign</a>.
India's sex slaves —
Learn more about Plan International's "Because I am a Girl" campaign.
Davinder Kumar/Plan International